18 August 2016

The prayer comes following a decision by
the Methodist Conference, which met in London last month, where
it agreed that the Methodist Church would join with other Christian
Churches in observing the special day.

The Methodist Conference is the policy making body of the
Methodist Church in Britain, made up of representative members from
across the country and beyond.

The annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is an
ecumenical initiative called for by Pope Francis marking the start
of
Creation Time, a tradition of the Orthodox Church started in
1989, which sees churches hold special reflections on creation for
five weeks each year.

The Revd Dr Roger Walton and Rachel Lampard MBE, President and
Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, wrote:

Wondrous God,

We delight in the beauty, diversity and richness of your
creation.

Every creature comes from your goodness and love, and
all things speak of you.

Forgive us

for our poor stewardship of this planet;

for using its resources selfishly, indifferent to the
consequences of our actions;

for the pain we have inflicted on other creatures and
the damage done to the fabric of the world;

for our failure to seek the common good.

Awaken in us a desire to protect all life, to promote
environmental justice and to prepare for a better
future.

In the name of Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Amen.

Notes:

For more information about the World Day of Prayer for the Care
of Creation, taking place on 1 September 2016,
click here.